Things to do in Bali (Indonesia) – 9 best things to do in Bali, description, photos

The Indonesian archipelago attracts tourists and travelers all year round, and from the abundance of pictures from this region, it can be concluded that the entire holiday here comes down to beach sands and a gallon of pina colada, but this is not the case. Considered one of the most popular paradises in the world, Bali offers its visitors a wide range of outdoor activities and educational journeys deep into the culture of the local people.

beach holiday

Since Bali has earned the fame of a paradise precisely due to the many oceanic beaches that smile along all the coasts of the island, it is from them that we will begin the parade of Indonesian entertainment. Some of the beaches on the island are well developed by tourists, including: Balandang, Padang-Padang and Binkin, but even more small and medium-sized sandy slopes remain wild and hidden from inquisitive travelers by rocky cliffs.

Relaxing on the beach includes not only slow roasting in the sun, but also daily evening sprees that take place in hundreds (without any exaggeration) of bars and guesthouses along the coast. In some cases, bonfires are made right on the sand, and parties turn into a kind of ritual dances.

Surfing

This type of outdoor activity is considered the main one in Bali, and this is confirmed by the number of its adherents who come here all year round and scatter in numerous spots around the perimeter of the island. Of course, the base of surfing for most fans is Kuta. Here you can find a cheerful company, experienced instructors and even sign up for a surf school, but sophisticated travelers consider the Uluwatu cliff to be a place with “real” skiing.

Since its development in the 1970s, much has changed here – the beach is no longer wild, the descent to the waves is dotted with many shops and cafes, and 10-20 people are constantly in the water. However, all this does not spoil the huge and smooth waves that rise from the ocean near the shore. On our website you can read more about surfing in Bali.

In addition to boarding on the cliff, you can see the temple of Puru Luhur Uluwatu, where various traditional events and rituals are constantly held, as well as enjoy drinking and dining at the popular Single Fin bar overlooking the equatorial ocean sunset.

Diving/snorkeling

In tropical latitudes, the best conditions are created for the formation of coral reefs. Motley underwater forests surround the island of Bali from all sides, so one of the most popular entertainment for travelers here is scuba diving. Experienced guides will help those who decide to do this for the first time, as well as keep the company of experienced divers.

For those who don't venture into the deep, there's an easier way to enjoy the vibrant variety of coral beds and their inhabitants with just a goggle and a pair of fins. In addition to passive observations on the reefs, you can pick up a net or harpoon and go fishing a little. However, in most cases, the prey will still have to be released.

Ethnotourism

An important component of any trip is not only active rest and methodical rolling in the sand, but also acquaintance with the culture of the host people. If you adhere to this point of view, then be sure to visit Ubud, a city in the central part of the island, which is considered the cultural capital of the resort. In addition to numerous temples, there is a sacred forest inhabited by monkeys, several museums dedicated to the history of Bali and a daily parade of thousands of white herons in the village of Petulu.

Getting closer to the ethnic roots of the indigenous people of the island also helps to participate in the dance rituals of Kechak, Barong or Chalonarang. These are large-scale costumed performances that reveal all the beauty and musical art of the Indonesian people.

natural parks

In terms of the choice of places where you can immerse yourself in the flora and fauna of the island, both local and brought specifically for the entertainment of tourists, Bali is in no way inferior to much larger countries. The largest reserve is Garuda Vishnu Kinsana Park. It stretches as far as 250 hectares and on its vast territory combines all the diversity of Indonesian nature with an open theater, exhibition halls and numerous cafes and restaurants. The park is open to the public from 8 am to 8 am.

Rock climbing

On the territory of the island there are several canyons with sheer stone walls, which are great for lovers of extreme rock climbs. A special kind of outdoor activity, canyoning, is also widely practiced here. The goal is to descend the rocky gorge without the use of swimming aids. Such a task involves swimming, sliding along the walls, jumping from great heights and using the entire arsenal of climbing equipment on some steep sections.

There are three popular canyons in Bali where you can try your hand under the supervision of professionals. The first two – Karimoda and Kerenkall – are suitable for almost everyone, and the third – Kirana – for experienced climbers.

The wide expanses of the coast, high slopes of volcanoes and friendly sea winds open up scope for various skydiving hobbies in Bali. The simplest form of flight is to use the lift of the wind with a paraglide, a wide wing that can keep you at low altitude for quite some time. Experienced instructors will give beginners a few lessons, after which you will be able to control your parachute on your own. Amateurs and professionals alike will enjoy watching the island's ocean and jungle from above. For those who prefer other forms of flying, there are also paragliders and parasailing instructors.

Hiking

The island has something to do for those who can't sit still and want to go through all the natural beauties of the region with their feet, so to speak. There are three most interesting sites for ecotourism in Bali. The small Gili Islands are located a few minutes sailing from the coast of Lombok and will be a real find for those who are tired of the bustle of the big island, cars and the dominance of tourists. There are only beaches, forests, bars and guesthouses. In the evening you can have a great time, and in the morning for the whole day you can go to a remote wild coast.

Climbing the slopes of Batur and Agung volcanoes offers stunning views of the islands and the ocean. There are tracks of varying degrees of difficulty and length, but finding a guide who will not let you get lost is not a problem. A visit to the mangrove forest leaves no one indifferent, as this form of vegetation is stunning in its beauty. Pedestrian wooden decks are laid along the mangrove parks, and you can book a tour at the Information Center between Kuta and Sanur.

Rafting

There are several rivers in Bali that are suitable for rafting and rafting. An easier option for beginners and those who are not completely confident in their abilities are the Ayung River (near Ubud, in the central part of the island) and Melangit, the beginning of which is located in Klukung. There are relatively small rapids of the 2nd and 3rd category of difficulty, and the length of the route is 7 and 12 kilometers downstream, respectively. On the banks of the rivers there are picturesque forests, as well as many peculiar geomorphological structures, so that the rest will be not only active, but also beautiful.

For more experienced fans of rafting, the Telaga Vadzhe River is suitable, the rapids on which already reach the 4th category of difficulty. A large number of rapids and whirlpools on the 16-kilometer route will make you work hard with oars, but this is exactly the kind of adrenaline rush that participants of categorical rafting are looking for. The surroundings are as picturesque as the previous two, but here you will often not be up to enjoying the beauties rushing past.

As you can see, holidays in Bali are not at all limited to the ocean coast, and even the most sophisticated travelers can find something to their liking here. However, when choosing extreme descents into the gorges and climbing the volcanoes of the island, you should remember your safety and be more careful.

We recommend reading In Bali on your own, a 7-day guide.